Column-step.



No. 697,3I0. Patented Apr. 8, |902.

T. J. YOUNGLOVE.

COLUMN STEP.

'Application Bled Oct. 5, 19001 (No ModeL) iTnD STATES PATnNT OFFICE.

THOMAS J. YOUNGLOVE, OF RICHMOND, VIRGINIA.

COLUMN-STEP.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 697,310, dated April 8, 1902.

Application tiled October 5,1900. Serial No. 32,119. (No model.)

T0 all whom it may concern:

Beit known that I, THOMAS J. YoUNGLovn, a citizen of the United States, residing at Richmond, in the county of Henrico and State of Virginia, have invented a certain new and useful Column-Step, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

Thisinvention relates to column-steps; and the object in View is to provide a simple,cheap,

and reliable device adapted to be inserted be tween the bottom of a post or column and the floor or other surface upon which the post or column ordinarily rests, for the purpose of Ventilating the bottom of the column, preventing moisture from accumulating around the bottom of the post and saturating the same, and carrying off any rain-water which may iiow under or around the base of the column.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide novel fastening means for the step, which fastening means also form a staying or bracing agent for the column, so as to prevent lateral escape or movement of the column with respect to the step. By means of the step hereinafter described the usual method of toe-nailing the column or post is dispensed with and all unsightliness and other objections resulting therefrom obviated.

Other objects and advantages of the in vention will appear inthe course of the ensuing description.

The invention consists in a column-step embodying certain novel features and details of construction and arrangement of parts, as hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the drawings, and incorporated in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure lis a perspective view of a column-step constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing one of the combined fasteners and stays in place therein. Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view of the step. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a half-step, or, in other words, a step for a half-post such as comes in contact with the side of a house or dwelling. Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view showing portions of a column and floor with the step interposed between the same andin engagement therewith. Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail sectional view of one of the combined fasteners and stays.

Similar numerals of reference designate corresponding parts in all the figures of the drawings.

In its construction the step forming the subject-matter of this invention resembles an open-center frame comprising a continuous rim l. The step as a whole may be constructed of metal, gutta-percha, Celluloid, paper, or any other material impervious to moisture and of sufficient density to support the column and the weight carried thereby. In shape the step corresponds in plan to the cross-sectional shape of the column or post to be supported thereon, and said step may be of the exact cross-sectional dimensions or slightly larger than the post, so that when in place it will resemble an ornamental bead at the base of the post. The step may also be of any desired thickness and may be stamped or otherwise formed into the shape illustrated in the drawings.

The step is provided with a series of inwardly-projecting lugs 2, having openings 3 for the reception of fastening devices with which the step is secured to the floor or other support beneath the post or column. These lugs are preferably thinner than the rim l and are located above the bottom of the rim or frame l, so as to leave an air-space beneath. Each of the fastening devices consists, preferably, of a screw 4, adapted to pass through one of the openings 3 into the floor. In connection with each screw I employ a sleeve or thimble 5, which surrounds the screw and is interposed between the head 6 of the screw and the step, thereby forming an upwardly-projecting stud, which rises above the step and enters a correspondingly-formed socket 7 in the base of the column or post, serving to stay or brace the column or post and prevent it from escaping or moving laterally from the step. The lower end of the sleeve is preferably beveled to lit the countersunk opening 3, and the upper end of the sleeve is also countersunk to allow the tapered head of the screw to be seated flush therein. It is to be understood that one of such fastening devices is used for each 1u g 2, and the base of the column is provided with a corresponding number of sockets to receive said sleeves.

The frame or rim lis provided along its under side and preferably adjacent to the cor ICO ners of the step with notches 9, extending from outside to inside of the rim and forming drain and ventilation ports for the purpose of allowing rain-water, &c., to pass beneath and escape from the bottom of the post without coming in contact therewith and for allowing air to circulate freely beneath the base of the column for maintaining the same in a dry condition.

Where a step is needed for a half-post, such as is employed against the side of a house or dwelling, the step is made to correspond in shape to the base of such half-column, and cross-bars or webs 10 may be employed in lieu of the lugs 2 for the reception of the fastening devices, the step being in all other respects identical with that above described.

From theforegoing description it will be seen that toe-nailing is rendered unnecessary, the columns being securely held without the use of nails, thereby dispensing with the unsightliness of nails and obviating the objectionable streaking or soiling of the paint on the column caused by the presence of the rusty heads of such nails. It will also be seen that the fastening devices which hold both the step and column are entirely concealed from view, nothing being seen but the edges of the step, which gives the appearance of an ornamental bead at the base of the column. When it is desired to use the step in connection with columns already in place, the bottoms of such columns may be sawed off slightly above the floor and the steps may be inserted or driven under the columns, after which the posts may be toe-nailed in the ordinary manner, the nails passing downward through the open center of the step into the floor beneath.

The step is exceedingly simple and economical in construction and Will be found of great advantage in use, as it greatly increases the life of both column and floor by preventing the accumulation of moisture. It will also be apparent that the step cannot be subjected to any severe strain, such as to cause its breakage, as it is in the form of a flat plate or rim and is subjected only to a crnshing strain and not to a twisting or torsional action. It will of course be apparent that the step may be manufactured in various sizes and shapes and that other changes in Having thus described the invention, what l is claimed as new, and desired to be secured by Letters Patent, is-

1. Acolumn-step consisting of an open-center frame upon which the column is adapted to rest, and lugs extending inward from the frame to receive fastening devices, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

2. A column-step consisting of a frame or rim with an open center and provided with drain and ventilation ports in its lower side, and lugs extending inward from the frame to receive fastening devices, substantially as set forth.

3. A column-step consisting of an open-center frame notched on its under side to form drain and ventilation ports, and lugs extending inward from the frame to receive fastening devices, said lugs being located above the bottom of the frame, substantially as described.

4. Acolumn-step consisting of an open-center frame, and perforated lugs extending inward therefrom, in combination with fastening devices adapted to pass through said lugs, and sleeves surrounding said fastening devices and formingcolumnstays,substantially as described.

5. A column-step consisting of a columnsupporting plate or frame, and a combined step-fastener and column-stay adapted to extend above and beneath the plate or frame for the purpose of securing the step in place and also preventing lateral displacement of the base of the column, substantially as described.

6. A column-step comprising a continuous open rim provided in its lower edge with notches forming ventilation-ports, said notches extending horizontally through the rim, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

THOMAS J. YOUNGLOVE.

Witnesses:

JAMES SWEENY, JAMES WA'rsoN. 

